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Villa's Champions League position is 'strange' - McGinn

John McGinn runs away, making his hands googles over his eyes, as he celebrates his goal against Bologna.
John McGinn celebrates his opener against Bologna in the Champions League [Getty Images]

John McGinn admits Aston Villa's position at the top of Europe is surreal.

The captain scored a second-half opener before Jhon Duran wrapped up a comfortable victory over Bologna at Villa Park on Tuesday.

It put Villa top of the new 36-team Champions League table after their opening three games.

Scotland midfielder McGinn said: "It's strange. It is a bit of a contrast to our league form. We have been letting in a lot of goals in the league and that is something which has annoyed us.

"But we are proud of where we are, top of the league table at the minute. It has put us in a great position to go and kick on.

"Our aim is obviously to qualify first and foremost for the next round, but if we can take it into the top eight and carry this on it would be brilliant."

Villa are yet to concede a goal in the Champions League after also beating Young Boys 3-0 and Bayern Munich 1-0.

They are due to travel to Club Bruges next month before hosting Juventus.

McGinn added: "We are excited. I think the manager is the only person who does not get excited. He just focuses his full energy all the time, like he says every single day he is that demanding on us.

"He does not let us take our foot off the gas so we can use energy and enthusiasm, and the excitement we have. His determination and intensity is unmatched.

"No matter what happens until now and whenever he leaves - we hope it's never - he will certainly go down as one of our club's greatest managers."

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[BBC]